SSP has recently received funding to support a pilot group of 24 students for whom we will expand our services to include greater academic support and preparation for post- secondary pursuits, with the hopes of improving post-secondary matriculation and graduation outcomes. We will offer to each of these students four years of high school tuition (funded by SSP), the mentoring experience for five years (to include their first year of college), and four years of supplementary experiences including financial literacy for the parent and student, academic tutoring when needed, FAFSA and other financial aid counseling, complete understanding of the ramifications of post-high school debt, essay and college application assistance and an understanding of junior college and vocational opportunities as an alternative to college.
On March 26, 2013, a College Readiness Orientation was generously hosted by Clifford Chance as a kick off to the pilot. A panel of speakers from various organizations, including TD Bank, East River Development Alliance, ATTAIN Lab, LaGuardia Community College/CUNY, Henkels & McCoy, and Complete College Planning solutions, attended the orientation to give students and parents an introduction to the types of resources that will be made available to them through the program.
SSP is beyond thrilled to report a strong mentor presence at the event and 100% attendance from the students selected to be a part of the pilot and their parents. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for these twenty-five young minds as they set out on their path towards pursuing economic freedom through education.
Photos From the College Readiness Pilot Orientation
